Meet our favorite Galloping Globetrotter!
Imagine a life where the skies are your highways and the destinations across the world, your neighborhoods. this is the remarkable life of koen gomes, the flying horse groom whose office transcends continents, offering a unique perspective on travel, sustainability, and global citizenship.
In the latest "Nomadic Diaries" episode, host Doreen Cumberford unpacks Koen's fascinating nomadic life, exploring the deeper nuances of living a life untethered by the traditional confines of home.
The Essence of Nomadic Living
Koen believes that travel is an education in itself, an ethos shared by Doreen, as they discuss the transformative power of being a global citizen. They agree that exploration does not just broaden one's horizon but shapes a personal vision of the world, a sentiment Koen lives out through his journeys to international horse shows and equestrian events. As a professional flying horse groom, he's had the privilege to traverse earth and sky, experiencing a myriad of cultures and landscapes.
Nurturing Connections and Cultural Competence
Emphasizing on connections, Koen asserts that it's essential to conduct quick research upon arrival in new lands, planning logistics in advance, and finding a common thread with the local community. Whether it be horses or music festivals, this initial groundwork lays the foundation for meaningful exchanges and a responsible traveler mindset.
He also shares an anecdote highlighting the importance of cultural competence, revealing the gaps that exist in our understanding of the world - a misperception of geography that often leads to a disconnected global community. Hence, Koen advocates for the need to travel with an open heart and mind, to bridge these gaps and foster global unity, an idea resonated in Doreen's quote from Kofi Annan about the interconnectedness of humanity.
Travel as a Transformative Experience
Exploration, according to Koen, doesn't require crossing oceans; it can begin within one's own country or neighboring states. He recounts the cultural shock experienced in Kenya and Tanzania, where reactions were vastly different from what he was accustomed to. Doreen correlates with her own culture shock experiences in places like Saudi Arabia and Japan, illustrating that each new environment is a lesson in adaptability and respect.
The Role of Nature in Travel
Both Koen and Doreen hold a profound appreciation for nature, emphasizing that experiencing the Earth's natural wonders first-hand has an irreplicable impact on an individual's perspective. Koen looks back fondly on his travels through the Amazon and the wilds of Africa, describing the pure and almost magical encounters with nature and wildlife.
Sustainable Journeys and Global Stewardship
In his travels, Koen is zealous about encouraging sustainable practices. As he moves from place to place with his equine companions, he reminds us that traveling responsibly, with consideration for the environment and the local cultures, is vital. Gomes hopes to instill a sense of stewardship in fellow travelers, advocating for a world traversed thoughtfully and respectfully.
Flexibility, Adaptability, and the Undiscovered Future
Fascinated by Koen's next chapter, Doreen probes into his future sojourns which include plans to lay roots in San Miguel del Allende while still jetting off to the far corners of the globe. Koen’s notion of a "forever home" does not tether him but serves as a launchpad for future adventures.
Conclusion: Solidarity Under a Shared Sky
"Nomadic Diaries" episode with Koen Gomes ultimately converges on the consensus that, despite our disparate backgrounds, we all look up at the same moon and constellations that have guided ancient travelers and modern nomads alike. Sharing their stories, Doreen and Koen underscore the necessity of mutual respect, the willingness to step out of one's comfort zone, and the enduring human curiosity that drives us to explore the vast and varied tapestry of our world.
Listeners can dive deeper into the synergies of nomadic existence by tuning into "Nomadic Diaries," available at nomadicdiaries.com and on various podcast platforms, where each episode offers a passage to vicariously experience the myriad hues of our global heritage through the eyes of experts and authors from all over the planet.
